Questions about Laboratory Aspirator

[Teri]

I'm re-posting this, hopefully I'm putting it in the right category this time.  We picked this up at an auction the other day.  I can't seem to find any
Info on Google or even a picture of one like this one.
The label says
"Bates Laboratory Aspirator
Ricetown Sample Devices Co.
Stuttgart, ARK
52 B 421"
It's made almost entirely of brass.
Wondering if anyone has seen one of these before.  Also wondering what they were used for (drying seeds, I think) But why?  For storing seeds, planting them or what.  Does the 52 in the SN stand for 1952?
Any Idea what this may be worth?  Thank you, Teri

[KC]

There is actually a publication but it was limited and is out of publication.  However,

You can look at at the government site for the pubication from 1926.
http://archive.org/details/cleaninggrainwit56bate

It is used for cleaning grain.   Separating the chaff from the seed.

http://www.bplabindia.com/bates-type-laboratory-aspirator.htm

[Teri]

Thank you KC.  I appreciate the info.  I plugged the darn thing in and it seems to work!
Still not sure how much to ask for it.
Take care, Teri

[KC]

Will continue to search...all of the ones I have found are white/tan...not bare metal like yours! Yours could be a really early version or prototype?!!!! 

Someone else might pipe in here and help out with that and we will try and find a value.

[Teri]

Hi KC,
In the literature you sent the link to it said you could get the plans to build your own aspirator.  Since this one has a manufacture label on it..that obviously isn't the case with this one.  Thanks so much for taking your time researching this, you got further than I did.
Teri

[KC]

It has been some interesting reading.  It is used in the rice farming, soybean farming, sunflower farming, etc...to separate the "misc, chaff and other materials" from the main crop and attached to the harvester by farmers so that they can get more money at market.  So, I bet that is where the "make your own" inspiration came from for the farmers.  It is used in labs to help grade and regulate grades of various items.

Couldn't find anything on it in patents but found out....

In this US Govt PDF article it states "The device is known commercially as the Bates aspirator. A public-service patent makes it available to anyone in the United States without the payment of any royalty."
http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/IND43892269/PDF

Also found reference to it in a flow chart for wet milling sorghum in Patent #Patent number: 2527585
Filing date: Apr 20, 1948 Issue date: Oct 31, 1950.

So, yes it is very instrumental in all kinds of farming.  But can't find a pic of another one like this or any reference to the company who made it.  Might have been a "never made it big" company?!?!?!?

[cogar]

Yours could be a really early version or prototype?!!!!  

Someone else might pipe in here and help out with that ............

Maybe the name of the manufacturer ……. says it all. 

RICETOWN SAMPLE DEVICES CO.

So right you are, KC, ..... it is a prototype. 

[Teri]

OK, so I'm new at this.  Being this thing is a prototype.  I am wanting to sell it, any idea what I should ask for it?

[KC]

Having to think on this one...trying to come up with a farming site that might be interested or you could ask.....

Maybe someone else can pipe in.

They have since made improvements on this...

[Rauville]

You could contact the museum at Stuttgart: http://www.stuttgartmuseum.com/. Perhaps they can offer some background information on the company and as to how long they were involved in the manufacturing of dockage testers.
Cleaned up, it would be a handsome addition to someone’s agricultural related collection.

[Teri]

Thank you everyone, you've all been so much help.  I will contact the museum.  I didn't find that in my online search.  I was searching for the company though.  This is a great site here.  I enjoy looking at everyone's pieces here, even if I don't know enough to offer any advise.  Thanks again for all your time and thoughts about this thing.
Teri

[mart]

You might also try a site called Farmersbuysell.com !!  Its advertised often on RFDTV and is devoted to farm related items both old and new !!

[Teri]

Thanks Mart!
I will try them too. 
Teri